The Princess presented the prize – consisting of a ceremonial collar and a cheque for 75,000€ – to photographer/filmmaker Anton Corbijn. Mr Corbijn is known for his work as U2’s visual output designer (mostly album covers), and has photographed many well-knowns, including David Bowie, Björk, Clint Eastwood and Stephen Hawking. He is also a graphic artist. Mr Corbijn told journalists he plans to use his 75,000€ prize to stimulate culture in The Hague.

Present for the award ceremony were U2 frontman Bono, Coldplay frontman Chris Martin, Dutch author Cees Nooteboom, Dutch poet Bart Chabot, Belgian photographer Stephan van Fleteren and German actor/musician Herbert Grönemeyer. Bono recited a poem, Get Lost, by Herman Brood, while Chris Martin played a piano-accompanied version of his band’s hit, Viva La Vida. Speeches were given by Nooteboom, Chabot and van Fleteren, and Grönemeyer performed with an orchestra.

The Prince Bernhard Culture Fund was created in 1940, under the patronage/leadership of Prince Bernhard, the husband of then-Queen Juliana. It’s current mission is to promote “mental resilience through the cultural self.” The award is presented annually from 2010 to an individual who has excelled in music, theater, dance, visual arts, history, literature, heritage or culture.